Stand up 2 cancer

Nights like these make me proud to be a broadcaster in the television business.

NBC, ABC, and CBS banded together to simulcast the commercial-free Stand up 2 Cancer telethon from 8-9pm.

This benefit rallied everyone together hoping to not only inform people about this deadly disease but to raise the necessary funds for ongoing cancer research and once and for all, stamp out this disease!

All participants and phone bank volunteers (who consisted of performers, anchors, musicians, athletes, renowned personalities) had ties to cancer in some way whether they battled it themselves, helped someone get through it, or lost a family member or friend.

A very well put together broadcast offered solid facts on just what cancer is and how many people are affected....as well as giving personal testimonials from people who fought the battle and are still with us today....


In today's times when the viewer has the option to flip through hundreds and hundreds of channels or head to the web and their cell phones for entertainment and news, I still think it is imperative that the major networks band together for worthwhile causes and continue to put on this type of programming to help their fellow man!!!

Weekly Feature: Hidden Gems

(Picture COURTESY: Flashes of Hope /'Kick it' websites)



Today's Hidden Gem: Flashes of Hope

I first learned of this non-profit organization, Flashes of Hope, shortly after its inception.

I had the pleasure and distinct honor of working very closely at one time and becoming good friends with one of the group's co-founders, Allison Clarke (I remember her as Allison Glovna!).

Allison, a beautiful, highly motivated, and talented young woman, championed a number of different tasks from producer to reporter to model and beyond.

When she found out her son had cancer, she and her husband, Kip, founded Flashes of Hope while their son was being treated for his cancer.

Allison has always thought outside of the box. She took her skills, experience, and many contacts and turned it all into a wonderful venture which helps so many people.

Flashes of Hope strives to help children dealing with illness, including cancer, foster positive attitudes toward their changing looks (at times) as well as their entire situation.

Allison enlisted the efforts of some of the best photographers, make-up artists, and others who she worked with during her modeling days, to volunteer their time and talents and take lasting photographs of these children.

Not only did the children have beautiful photographs of themselves they could be proud of...but if the worst occurred, and the child passed, the family had a wonderful portrait to hang onto forever!

During the photo shoots, the children's hospital rooms are transformed into a professional photography studio. This helps take the children's minds off of where they are while they are getting all dolled up and treated like little kings and queens!

The children are photographed alone as well as with their families, supporters, and favorite nurses or doctors!

Families are then given a number of photographs, proofs, and a CD of their child's photo shoot to keep forever! Due to the generosity of everyone involved, there is no cost to any of the families.



UPCOMING EVENT!!!!
This Saturday, August 23rd, the community is invited to take part in the first 'KICK IT' game at Gurney Elementary School Field in Chagrin Falls.

This event not only raises money to support pediatric cancer research but also gives hope and support to Quinn Clarke and Ava Harb, who are both fighting cancerous tumors.

The community is being asked to come out to cheer on 'Team Clarke' and 'The A Team' and play kickball or multiple other games between 1 and 4pm.

The location is 1155 Bell in Chagrin Falls.

For more details, call 216.514.7005 or email lisa@flashesofhope.org.

Everything Flashes of Hope has a hand in contributes to giving ill children and their families the dignity and courage to deal with whatever may come their way and the hope that they may be able to conquer just about anything!

Just take a look at all this group has done for children over the years and, you too, will see why Flashes of Hope is this week's Hidden Gem!


Some background information Courtesy: Flashes of Hope Website

She will be missed

Unfortunately, I must first report a bit of sad news as I return from a week away from the news assignment desk.

The Channel 3 family lost a long-time employee and one of the nicest people in the building.

Anjanelle Carter passed away at her home last week after a long bout with Cancer.

However, the cancer never kept her down. She always had a sunny disposition and was determined to enjoy life to the fullest!

Anjanelle worked in our engineering department and kept the 'guys' in line! She was a hard-working employee who definitely knew her craft!

I'll miss seeing her come in as I leave for the day....always had such nice things to say to me.

One fellow employee who gave her eulogy was not surprised at the turnout. He said there had to be over 1000 people at her funeral mass which showed the love everyone had for Anjanelle.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Anjanelle's family, friends, and fellow co-workers who are mourning the loss of one great lady.